Root Canal Therapy in St. Petersburg, FL

The Root Canal Myth

Patients often worry about root canal therapy because it has a reputation for being a very painful procedure as well as one that is expensive and often ends up failing. In a consumer survey conducted by the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), almost half of all the respondents perceived that excruciating pain was a part of root canal treatment.

The Root Canal Reality

Modern techniques, materials, and treatments in root canal therapy greatly decrease the discomfort once associated with root canal therapy. In fact, root canal therapy often relieves pain caused by pulp inflammation or infection. Another study conducted by the AAE revealed that patients who had root canal treatment are more likely to describe root canal therapy as painless than those who have not.

Saving your natural teeth is usually the best option. The cost of treating a tooth with root canal therapy and restoring the tooth with a dental restoration is much less compared to extracting a tooth and restoring that space with either a bridge or a restored implant.

Patients aren’t just saving money by choosing to save their teeth through root canal therapy; they are also reducing time spent in the dental chair since root canal therapy usually can be completed in one appointment.

Many patients are misinformed regarding the success of root canal therapy. An epidemiological study published in the December 2004 issue of the Journal of Endodontics revealed that a properly restored tooth following root canal therapy yielded a 97% success rate. The study was based on the outcome of root canal therapy performed in over 1.4 million teeth eight years following treatment.

Dr. Olvera will individually assess each case in regard to the probability of success of root canal therapy.

What Is a Root Canal?

Root canal therapy removes delicate tissue containing blood vessels and nerves, often called the pulp tissue, from the canal space(s) in a tooth. The canal space is thoroughly cleaned out, disinfected, and filled with a special filling material.

Most root canals can be completed in one appointment; however, there are times when a second appointment is indicated.

What Can You Expect After Your Root Canal?

Your tooth may feel sensitive for the first few days after root canal therapy, especially if there was pain or infection prior to the appointment. Usually, over-the-counter or prescription medications provide relief following your root canal.

To give your newly root-canal-treated tooth the best chance for success, your tooth should be properly restored, and we will discuss your best restorative options with you.

Do You Have a Toothache?

Please call us today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Olvera at Dental Dimensions in St. Petersburg, Florida. We will help you get back on track with a healthy, comfortable smile.